POLAR Travel Grant (2026–2027) – 1st call (Events taking place between April 1st and September 30th, 2026)
The call for applications for 2026–2027 is now open.
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Introduction
Indigenous and northern residents of the Canadian north and Arctic travelling to attend important conferences and research meetings can now apply for Polar Knowledge Canada’s (POLAR) Travel Grant program!
This grant of up to $5,000 helps eligible applicants to offset the cost of travel to conferences, fora or committee meetings. This grant program supports the inclusion of Indigenous and local Peoples in research, their participation in the governance of research and the sharing of local and Indigenous Knowledge with Canadians in the south as well as internationally.
Eligibility
The applicant must be:
- a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and;
- a resident of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik or Nunatsiavut, and
- associated with an Indigenous or northern organization, including institutions, local government, and not-for-profit organizations.
The event must take place between April 1st and September 30th, 2026.
As part of the application, evidence of estimated travel expenses is required. Applicants will also need to provide details on the event, why in-person presence is required, the requested amount from POLAR and how the event aligns with POLAR’s research priorities. POLAR aims to ensure Indigenous knowledge and scientific findings create new knowledge that is made available to all Canadians. Three goals are listed in the POLAR Science and Technology Framework:
- Improving knowledge of dynamic northern terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems in the context of rapid change.
- Increasing understanding of the connections between northern community wellness and environmental health.
- Advancing sustainable energy, technology and infrastructure solutions for the unique environmental, social and cultural conditions of the North.
Eligible expenses are limited to travel costs. Examples include airfare, registration fees, per diems and accommodations.
Priority will be given to:
- applicants associated with an Indigenous organization;
- international events.
Individual travellers may receive a maximum of one grant per fiscal year.
Apply
To apply, you must create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada’s Online Application and Reporting site. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Use your account to submit your application.
Organizations may nominate individuals and complete the application on their behalf.
IMPORTANT: It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application package is complete before submitting. Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria or are incomplete will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.
For applicants with limited connectivity or issues with the web portal, please contact the Grants and Contributions team at grants-contributions@polar-polaire.gc.ca.
Apply for the Polar Travel Grant.
Application due date
The application deadline is on February 27, 2026, at 3:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time.
Additional information
POLAR will provide successful applicants with up to $5,000, distributed through their sponsoring organization. POLAR will not be responsible for any part of travel booking or event registration.
Contact us
For all questions regarding POLAR’s 2026–2027 Polar Travel Grants program application process, contact the Grants and Contributions team at grants-contributions@polar-polaire.gc.ca.